Victoria gains $1.7 million motorsport boost

The Victorian government has allocated $1.7million in its 2022/2023 budget to undertake design, master planning and site due diligence for the ‘Home of Victorian Motorsport’.

Motorsport Australia CEO, Eugene Arocca, said the funding was a significant step in developing another important motorsport venue for Victoria.

“We have been working closely with the Victorian government around discussions for a new motorsport venue in the state, which we know is sorely needed,” said Arocca.

“The funding will allow the Victorian government and Motorsport Australia to conduct preliminary work into finding a location for a Victorian Home of Motorsport and allow more people to enjoy more motorsport more often.”

All locations will be considered, as well as the size and scope of the venue.

“This is early days in the project, but as many people would know, you need to put in the hard work now for the benefit of the sport into the future,” added Arocca.

“This support from the Victorian government is in addition to the many funding programs they have initiated with us, benefiting Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs and venues, so we are very grateful that they see the benefit motorsport delivers to the state.

“Our recent Ernst & Young research highlighted motorsport’s strong contribution to the state’s economy, with motorsport contributing 4,400 direct jobs in Victoria, as well as more than $800million of gross output every year. This new venue will only see that grow in the years ahead.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula said the sport’s growth highlighted the need for more facilities.

“Motorsport participation is growing rapidly across the state and we’re undertaking detailed planning work to help make the Victorian Home of Motorsport a reality,” said Pakula.

“I look forward to Motorsport Australia finalising the location of the Victorian Home of Motorsport and seeing the plans for the new precinct.”